S.B. No. 2964 amends the Election Code to enhance the process for correcting defects in early voting ballots voted by mail. The bill requires that if a clerk identifies a defect in a timely carrier envelope, they must notify the voter of the defect and provide a corrective action form within two days of discovering the issue. The voter is then given options to either cancel their application to vote by mail or correct the defect by submitting the corrective action form or visiting the clerk's office. Additionally, the bill mandates that the early voting clerk must also notify the voter through an online tool about the defect and allow for corrections via this tool if feasible.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the notification process, including the option for the clerk to contact the voter by telephone or email if timely notice cannot be provided by mail. Furthermore, it establishes that the Secretary of State will develop a corrective action form and an online tool to help voters track their ballot status and correct any defects. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to elections held after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015 (Election Code 86)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015 (Election Code 86)
Engrossed: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015 (Election Code 86)
House Committee Report: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015 (Election Code 86)
Enrolled: Election Code 86.011, Election Code 86.015 (Election Code 86)